Valerie Lavin Awarded Susie Steiner’s Community Impact Award by Hillsborough Community College

Tampa, FL – September 2016 – Valerie Ellis Lavin, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and Founder/CEO of newly launched Luminary Global, has been honored with the Susie Steiner Community Impact Award by Hillsborough Community College (HCC).

The award recognizes community members who prioritize giving back through entrepreneurship education, specifically honoring active partners and volunteers in HCC's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program who demonstrate ongoing positive impact on students, faculty, and the early-stage startup ecosystem. It was established to celebrate Susie Steiner's legacy of dedication to helping others and building the local entrepreneurial community.

This recognition came shortly after Ms. Lavin founded Luminary Global in June 2016—a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company providing life-saving supplies to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel. Her involvement reflects a broader commitment to supporting veterans and others in transitioning to entrepreneurship, drawing from her own experiences post-2014 Army retirement.

Ms. Lavin's military background—including 21 years of service, leadership roles at US CENTCOM, deployments to Korea and Iraq, and awards like the Bronze Star Medal—instilled the discipline and service mindset that now fuels her community contributions. This award underscores her early efforts to mentor and inspire through education and volunteerism in Tampa Bay.

"The Susie Steiner Award is a meaningful affirmation of the power of giving back—whether through military service or helping others launch their ventures," said Valerie Ellis Lavin. "Entrepreneurship education bridges the gap for veterans and community members alike, turning challenges into opportunities. I'm grateful to HCC for this honor and excited to continue supporting the next generation of innovators."

Luminary Global builds on these values of duty, discipline, and dependability by equipping people with tools to prepare for and respond to emergencies effectively.

For more on Valerie Lavin's background and Luminary Global's mission, visit luminaryglobal.com.

Luminary Global is a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company founded in June 2016 by retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Valerie Ellis Lavin. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, the company provides high-quality emergency medical solutions, tactical gear, and customized kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel. Committed to duty, discipline, and dependability, Luminary Global operates independently with no affiliations to other entities. Expect the Unexpected – Be Prepared. Learn more at luminaryglobal.com. Follow our AI Transparency statement for brand integrity details.